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FIND YOUR DREAM HOME OR APARTMENT
Actually , bath remodels are individual and to classify under one category such as don't move plumbing is a mistake. A lot of remodelers don't like to use licensed craftsmen (plumbers, electricians) because they associate that with higher costs. Completing the job right keeps you from tearing out the beautiful work after the remodel is complete. I rarely wait longer than 1 week for a custom built vanity and it's usually only a couple of hundred higher(custom finished) than a cheap big box model.
My advice to people doing a bathroom remodel:
1. Don't plan to relocate plumbing unless absolutely necessary. The time, cost, and hassle of relocating plumbing lines in your home is usually not worth it. Not only that, relocating plumbing will often involve tearing up some other part of your house to access plumbing lines, especially if the bathroom is on an upper floor. Even if you are unhappy with the location of a fixture consider some more creative options. For example, if you hate the location of your sink and vanity maybe it would work to place a small wall mounted or vessel sink in the original plumbing location and placing a larger vanity with no sink in another location that works better for layout of the bath. Then have the contractor do two quotes so you can compare cost, time, and construction involved before you make the decision.
2. Stick with the classics for the big cost items. You may love a trendy new bath you saw in a magazine but consider when you plan to remodel your bathroom next. If you are the type of person that can afford to remodel every 5 years then go for it. But if you plan to keep this remodel for more than a few years, stick with fixtures and flooring that are more neutral to different design schemes. If you want a more trendy look, choose wall finishes and accessories (like the shower curtain the writer spoke of) that fit the style you like. That way, when the trends change is a few years, you can make some basic changes and still have a bath that doesn't look outdated.
3. Consider your lifestyle. Once again, you may have fallen in love with a look you saw in a showroom but remember that these are not being used in real life. Although a high finish vessel sink may look awesome in the showroom, if you have two kids brushing their teeth there every day, it probably will not look very nice unless you plan to polish it every day. And if you have a teen girl who uses the bathroom to do makeup, hair, and nails along with all the products and accessories involved planning a minimalist bath with no storage is not practical. Look at the problem areas in your current bath and try to resolve them in your remodel. Its not just about looks, you want your bath to be functional for your lifestyle.
